Craigville Postmaster Retiring

Craigville Postmaster Loretta Smith was lauded by friends, family and co-workers at her pre-retirement party Tuesday. This is Smith's last week on the job.
Smith has worked for the United States Postal Service for 33 years.
Read my story in this weeks News-Banner.

Wide Load

Indiana State Police cleared traffic along 124 from western Wells to the eastern portion of the county for this extra-wide load of piping. Downtown Bluffton traffic came to a standstill momentarily, right in the middle of lunchtime.
Final destination: Butler.

Mailbox Mania

I have noticed a number of interesting and unique mailboxes scattered around the county. Like this Colts helmet off 124 East of Bluffton.
I plan to take a photo whenever I spot one. If you know of any feel free to drop me a line at JerryB@news-banner.com.

Norwell's "Music in Motion" Invitational

At Saturday's marching band competition the Nappanne Red Regiment claimed First Place in all but one caption award and were crowned Grand Champion overall.
Only Bluffton's Bengal Brigade managed to take a win from Nappanne, scoring Best Visual in Class C caption competition.
Bishop Dwenger's Marching Saints (top photo) won the Mickey Allen Mental Attitude award.

Punt, Pass & Kick

These kids all participated in the Punt, Pass & Kick competition Saturday at the Middle school practice field. The event was sponsored by Wells County Boys & Girls Club.

Field fire in Harrison Township

A grayish white plume of smoke decorated the skies above Southeastern Wells County most of the afternoon as crews from local fire departments fought a determined field fire. No injuries were reported and the fire was fully extinguished by early evening.(Photo by Glen Werling)

Southern Wells Vs. Bluffton

Managing Editor Glen Werling spent some time at the Southern Wells/Bluffton game Friday night and took these great pictures. It wasn't pretty, but all the players gave it their heart and that's what really matters.

Norwell Baseball Diamond Gets Make-Over

It's been a tough year-and-a-half, but work is finally wrapping up on the new facilities at the Norwell Knights baseball diamond.
Check out our story in Saturday's News-Banner.

Dog Bites Man

Bluffton Patrol Officer Cliff Thomas was target practice for K-9 Officer Reno this morning.
Thomas seemed just a bit nervous to me, but maybe it was my imagination.
Read the whole story in tomorrow's News-Banner.

'Tis the Season for Spooky

Autumn is the season for Spooky, but not too Spooky.

Take this cute display just outside Bluffton. Cute enough for everyone and definitely in keeping with the Season.

Ethanol churning toward the future

Work continues at the new Indiana Bio Energy ethanol plant on the outskirts of Bluffton. Jutting out above the cornfields which provide the basis for the fuel which in turn might someday drive the tractors which harvest the corn....

Road to Ouabache Closed

Don't look now, but if you're heading to Ouabache State Park you can't get there via 216 due to work on the culvert.

Norwell Student Artists Recognized by State

Tonight the Northern Wells Community school Board recognized the achievement of student artists Emily Spear and Kylee Moore whose artwork was published in the 2008-2009 Indiana Safe School Calendar.
This is the first time two students were selected from the school to appear in the same calender.
(Thanks to Kevin Moore for the photo)

SR 1 Closed: Detour ahead

Don't look now but the state has closed SR 1 at 1000S. They want you to use 218 as a detour.

Roses are red in Bluffton

On the southside of Bluffton this morning, Nelson Story was trimming his "Knock-out Rose" bushes with an eye toward perfection.
They were just 6" twigs in a small clay pot three years ago, but look at them now.
It's amazing what a little care (and a green thumb) can create.

Falling into Winter

Canadian geese started heading South last week, but Autumn did not officially begin in Wells County until Monday afternoon.
Beside the geese and the earlier sunset another way to tell the season is to watch the farmer's are doing. These Southern Wells farmers were working hard all through the Autumnal Equinox.
Check this week's News-Banner for my story on the impact of agriculture on the Wells County economy.